Re: Trip to forbidden forest
Well what on Earth is a forbidden forest?
Forget Magic I dont do magic but I love skill, and good skill is almost like magic…
If I was heading for a coniferous forest then I would definately wear a Utility or PLCEs (personal load carrying equipment system) vest. This would be stuffed with important equipment from all terain flashlight, preferably Maglite or Gerber 4 to 1. A Laser sight. Silva Military grade Compass. Tally counter. Map. Emergency fire starter. Flares. Glowsticks. Spare socks. Magazines. Light ration packs. Cleaning agents eg Oil. Spare waterproof fold up poncho… and thats just the stuff I would wear! 
In decidous Forest I would also advise Insect reppelent particularly in the Tropics. Camo paint suitable for the terrain. Camo tape. A basic survival kit. Water purification tablets. Emergency whistle. Also it might not be magic but night vision, and any iluminations, flashbangs and smoke grenades you can take are a bonus. 
Definatley check the Laws of your country but in almost all places I would carry a Knife, not your usaul thing either something decent and heavy and invest time in learning to be proficient with it. Plenty of wire is also good for snares and other uses. Twine helps too. Shock cord/para cord roll. Lots of Webbing… tactical situations.
On choosing a knife consider strong blades and stout full tang construction over fancy design features. Theres a lot of exploration knives with hollow handles for extra gadgetry Rambo style but I find most of them are poorly made and the Tang is first to suffer… Machete, Bowie and Khukri knives while large and traditional are still the best all rounders and a small lock knife or Multi tool such as a Leatherman would be a good backup. Nothing is better for clearing vegetation, making a meal out of the animals and lopping up whatever gets in your way… than a decent knife dont be sqeamish learn to utilise a decent knife and theres always cheap flints and firesteels that you can obtain so you should be okay… 
If possible obtain a firearm or two, I would definatley get a long range bolt action hunting rifle and a good combat pistol for emergency use… or alternatively look into getting yourself a bow or crossbow. Crossbows have more power and are relatively easier to use and aim from prone position, however lack versatility and most are cumbersome and slow to reload. A decent Bow preferably compound would be more versatile though depending on your own strength and draw wieght they are mostly less powerfull than crossbows and require more skill… upside is they can take a range of ammunition and can be utlised in many ways also much quicker to reload.
Pack essential food and cooking equipment in a double rucksack, outer canvas and inner waterproof layer will be sufficeint for most expeditions. Roughly 40litre rucksacks will get you 3-4 days and 80lite Bergens can allow you to be in the field for seven days.
Also take some spare “dump bags” disposable type bags come in handy. Pack extra rations and while I would personally forgo the Packs and live off the Land this might not be viable for most people.
If you are unlcuky to run into something like a Churail… Vampire… Werewolf whatever…
General rule what works on humans will in majority of cases work on Animals and Monsters too I am confident in saying most hostile presences would rather find softer targets elsewhere than push on against determined resistance… so throw everything you got at them!
I am not a Wizard but I’m sure you will make it out fine just perhaps invest in a decent survival manual and take a guide with you…
Finally when your really not sure just trust your instinct and that voice in your head. 
